Antique Silver Frame Evening Bag with Putti Musicians Purse

This is an antique silver frame evening bag purse featuring a silver frame that is pierced and decorated with putti (wingless cherubs) dancing and playing instruments - a winged cherub head tops the frame.  The frame is the same on both the front and back exterior sides.  It is unmarked as to silver content, but it tested positive for silver - difficult to weigh because of the bag, but the frame weighs approximately 300 grams .  The handle is made of a chain consisting of linked pieces.  The frame most likely dates to the early 20th century, probably Art Nouveau period (1890-1910).  The lady from whom I acquired it had it re-covered in black peau de soie silk as the original fabric was damaged.  You’ll notice the floral patterned chiné silk on the interior, which is a technique that rendered a blurry, impressionist-like image, is shattering. I believe, though, that the original exterior may have been black velvet.  This antique silver frame evening bag has a height of 9” in height, including the frame but exclusive of its handle and a width of 12” across the fabric - the handle has a fall of 6 1/2”.  The purse is in very good condition with some micro wear to the silver plating, visible in the extreme close-up photos, but not at all noticeable under normal viewing - I haven’t polished it and it might be beneficial to do so.

This is a beautiful antique silver frame evening bag with a gorgeous very detailed silver frame - lovely purse!